I would love to be there right NOW! Isn't it wonderful to be so close to vacation opportunities (or even one-day runs) that the rest of the world would die for? Now you've got me wondering how I can get away....

I've been there. It was lovely. They had a monsterous 'Mermaid' rose, as I remember. But it was chilly!

We visited about 20 years ago and were struck by the tranquility and the feeling of it being largely untouched by man. It seemed to be operated on a very small budget with a lot of dedicated volunteers. For anyone(especially gardeners)wanting to free themselves from the frantic pace most of us maintain today, a week in the area in one of many small B&Bs is sure to recharge your batteries. Al

I've been there a number of times. They have a nice art show in the summer. (It is warmer then.)

My favorite part-it was created by a guy after he retired. In my dreams, an empty 20 acres to landscape!

I've been there in the summer (the dahlia garden is spectacular.) I was amazed at the diversity of species being grown. And the on site nursery had some great, unusual stuff. Definitely worth a stop if you're nearby.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

I did a 6 month internship there in 2003. It was one of the happiest times of my life. The gardens are beautiful and the staff made me feel like family. I haven't been back since but this post reminds me that I really need to make an effort to visit this summer.

Finally got my photos loaded and organized. They didn't have labels for all the plants, but I've noted the ones that were identified. Hope you enjoy the show!

Here is a link that might be useful: Mendocino Botanical Gardens - my slideshow

Very pretty. I saw several I was unfamiliar with which is always fun and interesting. thank you for posting.
kay

What a beautiful garden. Some of the pictures just call you to "come on". Thanks for sharing your pictures. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself and had some relaxing down time.

MeMo

Thank you so much for that. As I said I have not been back since 2003 and it looks like they have made a great many changes. I can't wait to see it in person again.

Again, for those who might be going up to Mendo, we can heartily recommend the B&B we stayed at. The Agate Cove Inn is located on Lansing Rd., right by the ocean, about 1 mile just north of the town of Mendocino. It was far and away the best place we stayed during our long trip! They are duplex cabins, all with patios, full baths with jetted tubs, comfortable beds, nice little breakfast in the morning, extremely quiet and peaceful. We stayed in Zircon but really liked all of them - we were the only ones staying on a Sunday so hosts Roger and Lorraine gave us their master key so we could go into all the cottages to check them out. Emerald and Obsidian are the biggest and most luxe; Garnet has an extra twin bed for those who are traveling with a small child. As mentioned above, all of them have gas-fired stoves or fireplaces for heat, very easy to work (unlike some we've encountered) and the cabins are extremely well insulated and toasty-warm.

The view from their front lawn, where they have two separate patios with lots of lawn furniture, is stunning. Bundle up, though, weather can be wildly changeable up there. The winds can be icy-cold one hour then warm up again the next! We made good use of Agate's blankets when sitting outside, even though we were all bundled up in Polarfleece, gloves, and hats, LOL.

Here is a link that might be useful: Agate Cove Inn's website